How Long Does it Take to Close on a House?

A 2024 study found that, on average, the time to close on a home after an offer is accepted is approximately 44 days. The closing process involves steps like securing financing, completing a home appraisal, conducting inspections, and finalizing paperwork, all of which can impact the timeline. If there are no delays, such as issues with the title or missing documentation, the process can be relatively quick.

However, if complications arise, like needing additional financial approval or negotiating repairs, it may take longer. For cash buyers, the timeline may shorten to as little as one to two weeks, since there’s no need to secure a loan. It's essential to stay in regular communication with your lender, real estate agent, and title company to keep the process on track.

Average time to close on a house

Buyers who use conventional financing to purchase a home can expect to close 30-45 days after the contract is signed. Special mortgages and programs, such as first-time home buyer programs, VA and FHA loans, can take longer to close because the requirements are stricter.

How fast can you close on a house?

Part of what makes closings take so long is the financing requirements, so buying with cash can expedite the process. If you’re buying with cash, you can close as few as seven days after contract execution, assuming you're willing to waive contingencies. However, according to the Zillow Buyer Trends Report 2024, only 30% of homebuyers in the U.S. purchased their homes with all cash.

Timeline to close on a house

After you've made an offer on a home and both you and the seller have agreed on terms (including price and closing date), you can start counting down the days until closing. This period is called escrow. According to a 2023 Zillow survey, 56% of prospective buyers identified understanding all of the costs associated with a mortgage and home payment as one of their top three most difficult aspects of financing a home purchase. To fully understand the steps, stay in close contact with your real estate agent, real estate attorney (if you have/need one) and lender. They can answer any questions you have and provide documents you need to sign, so be available to turn those requests around as quickly as possible.

Apply for a mortgage (30-45 days)

Once you’ve made an offer on a home, it’s been accepted, and the purchase agreement is signed, you can begin your mortgage application. The initial mortgage process typically begins with pre-approval, where a lender evaluates your credit, income, and financial history to determine how much you can borrow. If you’ve already been pre-approved for a mortgage and are applying with the same lender, you can use the information you included in your pre-approval application for your application, as long as it hasn’t changed, making the process a bit faster.

This stage of the process is known as the underwriting phase. During this time, the lender verifies your financial information and assesses the property’s value through an appraisal. 

Lender requests an appraisal (7-14 days)

​After getting a home appraisal, the time it takes to close on a house typically ranges from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on factors like loan type, lender efficiency, and any issues arising from the appraisal. This period allows for finalizing underwriting, preparing closing documents, and scheduling the closing appointment.

Get the home inspected (7-14 days)

A home inspection is a thorough evaluation of a property’s condition, typically conducted after an offer is accepted but before closing. It helps buyers identify any potential red flags before finalizing the purchase.

Wait for conditional approval (5-20 days)

Underwriting is the lender’s detailed review of your financial profile to assess risk and determine loan approval. This step can't be completed until the property is appraised to confirm its value aligns with the loan amount.

Title search and clearance (1 day)

A title search and clearance ensure the property is legally owned by the seller and free of liens or disputes, which must be resolved before closing can occur. This step usually takes about a day, but if any liens or ownership disputes are found, resolving them can take additional time. 

Wait for mortgage approval (1 day)

When your mortgage application is approved, your lender will give you the "clear to close." This means the lender has finalized the underwriting process and all conditions have been met, allowing the closing to be scheduled.

Sign closing disclosure (1 day)

The Closing Disclosure outlines final loan terms and costs, and by law, buyers must receive and sign it at least three business days before closing. 

Do a final walk-through (1 day)

The final walkthrough, typically done 24–48 hours before closing, allows buyers to ensure the property is in the agreed-upon condition and that any requested repairs have been completed.

Attend closing day appointment (1 day)

Closing day is the day you sign all the paperwork, get the keys, and become the official owner of a home.

What causes delays when closing on a house?

Your closing date will usually be agreed upon with the seller during offer negotiations. But, your closing date could get pushed back a few days (or even a few weeks) based on unexpected setbacks. Here are some of the common issues that can lead to a delayed closing.

1. Buyer financing

Most of the time, delayed closings are related to finalizing your mortgage. This can be anything from appraisal concerns to missing financial documentation.

2. Changes to your creditworthiness

If you've made large purchases, taken out another loan that negatively impacted your debt-to-income ratio or had a significant change in your income between the time you were pre-approved and closing, your lender may need to re-evaluate your credit profile, which can take time.

3. Low appraisal

If your appraisal comes in at or above the contracted sale price, it should be smooth sailing. But, a low appraisal could leave you needing to renegotiate with the seller or come up with enough cash to cover the difference between the home's appraised value and the sale price.

4. Title issues

If the seller has any unresolved liens or judgments on the home, or if any other ownership disputes are uncovered during the escrow process, the closing can be delayed while these issues are resolved.

5. Homeowner's insurance

In order to close, you must have proof that you've secured a homeowner's insurance policy on the property you're buying. If you miss this step or don't have the correct documentation, your closing could be delayed.

6. Home sale contingency

If your contract says you can't close until your previous home sells, your closing could be delayed if it takes longer than expected.

7. Slow repair requests

If you're going back and forth with the seller on repairs needed based on the home inspection report, both the negotiations and the repairs themselves can slow down your closing timeline.

8. Unsatisfactory walk-through

Right before closing, you'll do a final walk-through of the property. If the home isn't in the same condition (or a better condition, if you negotiated repairs) than when you made your offer, you may delay closing until issues can be resolved.

Tips for staying on your closing timeline

Even if you're buying with a mortgage (and you'll be among the 70% of all buyers who are), you can help expedite the closing process by being prepared, responsive, diligent and decisive both before and during the escrow period.

1. Get pre-approved

Before you even start searching for homes, take the time to get pre-approved so you'll know ahead of time that you're eligible for a loan in the amount you need.* Not only will it help you prevent delays during the escrow period, but it will make any offers you submit look more legitimate in the eyes of sellers, since they know you can pay for the home.

For a pre-approval, you'll need documents that verify your income, like paystubs, bank statements and tax returns. You'll also want to make sure your credit report is error free, as your lender will run your credit as part of your pre-approval.

2. Schedule the inspection as soon as possible

As soon as your offer is accepted and the contract is executed, schedule your home inspection. In some states, you are required to schedule the inspection within 7-10 days. After you receive the inspection report, you will have a few days to review and request repairs or credits from the seller. Keep in mind, the seller will have a few days to respond as well.

3. Have a backup plan in case of a low appraisal

Appraisal reports can vary, and very rarely do two professional appraisers value a home exactly the same. If the home you're buying appraises for less than the sale price, your lender won't let you finance the home using the full sale price. If your appraisal comes back low, you have two options: either make up the difference in cash, or renegotiate the sale price with the seller. If you're in a hot market where sellers have their pick of multiple offers, you shouldn't expect the seller to lower their price to accommodate a low appraisal.

4. Hire an experienced lender

Find an experienced lender that is familiar with the intricacies and requirements of your market for a seamless and transparent closing process. Opt for an online lender to further optimize your experience. In fact, 30% of buyers who used a mortgage to finance a home in 2024 obtained their mortgage through an online lender. Though, younger buyers are more likely to choose an online lender option.

5. Be quick to respond to documentation requests

It's likely that your lender will need updated financial documents, signed disclosures and other information as they prepare your loan for closing. Your title or escrow company may need you to complete certain tasks, too. Respond to all requests as quickly as possible to keep the escrow process moving forward.

How long does closing day take?

Closing day — that is, the day you go to the closing agent and sign your final paperwork to buy the home — typically takes between 1.5-2 hours if everything goes smoothly, but you'll want to leave ample time in your schedule in case it takes longer.

During your closing appointment, you'll sign documents and pay your down payment. Your lender will also wire the balance of the sale price at this time. The title or escrow agent will facilitate the closing appointment, but you'll want your agent and/or attorney to be present as well. In closing attorney states, the attorney may facilitate the closing appointment. Be sure to bring your ID, checkbook, proof of insurance, and your purchase and sale contract.

Buyers usually must attend this meeting in person, while sellers can sometimes sign their paperwork ahead of time.

*Zillow Home Loans: An equal housing lender. NMLS #10287